Faculty Tenure, Promotion, Contract Renewal and Periodic Review
The general reasons for granting tenure are that the University has concluded that you are and will continue to be a productive and valuable member of the institution, that your pattern of continuing professional growth is positive, and that the University anticipates a long-term need for your professional specialty and services. This is a matter of judgment, and there may be honest differences of opinion based on fair and thorough consideration of the evidence.
Tenure Process
As a faculty member in a tenure-track position, you will be placed on a probationary period that is governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article XII, Tenure and Service, Section C. Then refer to the below table for the appropriate classification:
| Faculty Classification | Rank 2-Junior | Rank 3-Assistant | Rank 4-Associate | Rank 5-Full |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional (I) | Not eligible | 5 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Specialist (S) | 5 years | 5 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Librarian (B) | 5 years | 5 years | 3 years | 2 years |
* You can request to shorten or extend your probationary period, per Article XII.C.2. Contact your Vice Chancellor’s Office for process-related questions. Please also consult with your Division Chair or Authorized Unit Head before proceeding.
Promotion Process
A faculty member can apply for promotion at any time that they meet the requirements for the next rank as articulated in Executive Policy 5.221 and UH West O‘ahu’s Criteria and Guidelines for Faculty Tenure/Promotion, including the appendix containing the supplemental criteria corresponding to each faculty member’s faculty position and classification. It is expected that an applicant will demonstrate the level of academic achievement and reputation that is commensurate with the rank sought as found at major research universities in the United States. The exact stage of a faculty member’s career at which promotion is merited is a matter of judgment, and there may be honest differences of opinion based on fair and thorough consideration of the evidence.
Tenure and/or Promotion Forms and Downloads
- Tenure and Promotion Application Timetable
- Criteria and Guidelines for Faculty Tenure and Promotion
- Minimum Performance Requirements for Instructional Faculty Hired before July 15, 2012 (Appendix A-1a)
- Minimum Performance Requirements for Instructional Faculty Hired after July 15, 2012 (Appendix A-1b)
- Supplements to Criteria and Guidelines for Academic Affairs Specialist Faculty (Appendix A-2)
- Supplements to Criteria and Guidelines for Student Affairs Specialist Faculty (Appendix A-3)
- BOR Classification of Faculty Policy (EP 5.221) and Faculty Classifications and Minimum Qualifications for UH Hilo and UH West O‘ahu (Attachment 2)
Tenure and Promotion/Application
Instructional Rank 2 Promotion
Contract Renewal: Probationary (Tenure-Track) Faculty
It is extremely important to carefully mentor and evaluate probationary (tenure-track) faculty in the years prior to their application for tenure. This is an opportunity for departments to assess and guide faculty in their career. A faculty member’s probationary period begins on August 1st. If the faculty member is hired subsequent to October 1st, the probationary period will begin the following August 1st. Faculty are reviewed every two years during their probationary period, per Article XII, Section E.
Contract Renewal: Faculty Appointments Not Eligible for Tenure
The employment terms for non-tenure track faculty are governed by Article XIII of the collective bargaining agreement and some non-tenure track faculty members are eligible for limited-term contracts of three years of duration. Non-tenure track faculty members must submit contract renewal applications in order to extend their employment periods.
- Contract Renewal Application Timeline
- Contract Renewal Application for Instructors (I2 Faculty)
- Contract Renewal Application for Assistant (I3) and Associate (I4) Professors
- Contract Renewal Application for Academic Affairs Specialists and Librarians
- Contract Renewal Application for Student Affairs Specialists
Periodic Review
The Board of Regents has determined that all Board appointees will be evaluated periodically in accordance with the guidelines articulated in RP 9.213. In recognition of the special role of the faculty, the review process has been determined to encourage professional growth and delivery of services. Inherent in the procedures are protections for academic freedom.